Telangana Tightens Driving Licence Rules to Tackle Rising Road Deaths
The online test will consist of 6 modules, each lasting 30 minutes, making the total duration 3 hours. Applicants can take the test from home or office using a camera-enabled device. Alternatively, the test can also be taken at designated driving school centres.
Hyderabad: The Transport Department of Telangana has decided to introduce a major overhaul in the driving licence issuance process to reduce the rising number of road accidents and fatalities. Acting on the directives of the Supreme Court, a new, more structured system is being implemented with the aim of promoting responsibility and awareness among new drivers.
Alarming Road Accident Statistics
According to official data, India records nearly 1.7 lakh deaths annually due to road accidents. In Telangana alone, around 7,500 people lose their lives every year, while approximately 28,000 sustain injuries. Authorities attribute these incidents mainly to over-speeding, reckless driving, and lack of awareness about traffic rules.
Introduction of a Three-Stage Licensing System
Until now, obtaining a driving licence involved two stages. Under the new system, it has been expanded into three mandatory stages:
- Online Road Safety Awareness Test
- Learner’s Licence Test
- Permanent Driving Licence Test
From early April, applicants must first clear the online safety awareness test before applying for a learner’s licence.
Six Modules, Three-Hour Online Test
The online test will consist of 6 modules, each lasting 30 minutes, making the total duration 3 hours. Applicants can take the test from home or office using a camera-enabled device. Alternatively, the test can also be taken at designated driving school centres.
Upon successful completion, candidates will receive a unique certificate number, which will be mandatory for applying for a learner’s licence.
Focus on Real-Life Driving Risks
The training modules are designed to include real-life accident scenarios and common driving mistakes, such as:
- Safe driving practices
- Proper use of mirrors
- Overtaking techniques
- Causes of accidents
- Impact on victims and their families
Officials believe this awareness-driven approach will help instill a sense of responsibility among new drivers and significantly reduce accidents.
Rising Accident Numbers Raise Concern
Road accident data in Telangana continues to remain a concern. In 2024, a total of 25,986 accidents were reported, which increased to 27,352 in 2025.
In terms of fatalities, 7,949 deaths were recorded in 2024, while the number slightly declined to 7,545 in 2025. Despite the marginal drop in deaths, the overall increase in accidents has raised serious concerns.
Licence Issuance Data
The number of licences issued also reflects growing demand:
- Learner’s Licences:
2023–24: 7.82 lakh
2024–25: 8.92 lakh - Permanent Licences:
2023–24: 4.71 lakh
2024–25: 4.68 lakh
Officials clarified that the new test will not be difficult to pass but is essential in ensuring that drivers are well-informed and responsible. The initiative is expected to play a key role in reducing road accidents and saving lives in the long run.
